My French Inspired Look

The ultimate moment when you feel completely comfortable in your own skin and have no desire to look or act like anyone else but the person God destined you to be. What's the standard of beauty, when beauty has no standards? I am my standard of beauty and so are you!

I received so many compliments on this outfit at the Black Women's Expo. The concept of this outfit is extremely basic. Black and white blouse with black pants. What brought this look togther was my overall presentation. I was going for "nerdy chic," totally made that up. Or, a soft edgy look. My husband said I belonged on stage at a coffee house! lol.  Either way, I loved the end result!

2015 Black Women's Expo

Chew on this....If you don't build YOUR dream, someone will hire you to help build THEIRS!

Which would you prefer?

 

"According to a report by the Center of Women's Business Resource, Hispanic and African American  women are the fastest growing entrepreneurial segments in the country growing at rates 133.3% and 191.4%  respectively from 1997 to 2007. Combined, they represent more than two million of the roughly eight million women-owned businesses in the country and more than $14 billion in gross receipts.  African American and Hispanic women are three to five times more likely to start a business, than their white counterparts." - Forbes.com

This weekend I was fortunate enough to be a witness. I got to see a number of black women entrepreneurs at the 2015 Black Women's Expo at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Women from all over the country came to show off their products and services to thousands of attendees, there to support minority-owned businesses.

The expo had everything from hair seminars to conversations on "Light Girls" and "Dark Girls," spoken word and musical performances, fashion shows and of course vendors and their booths.

I attended a seminar about Hustling Mommies, where the panel of successful black mothers discussed balancing their life as a hustler, building their business, while mastering the never ending task of parenthood.  Being a mother now of two, and aspiring to launch a business this year - this discussion really hit home for me.

A few key take aways:

1) Organization is key! Lord, knows I need major help in this area! SMH. Things like packing the kids and your lunch at night. Ironing and setting out clothes the night before. Keeping things where they belong so they're easy to find when you need it. Homework, computer bag, backpacks, your wallet and keys are simple things that if put away properly, will make getting out of the house easier and limit wasted time.

Beyond the basics, having a notebook that you carry on you so that you can keep all your business ideas in one place is important for me. Let's face it, those type of ideas come at the most random times so you need to be prepared. Also, keep a business card on you at all times. I ended up passing out a few cards at the Expo, one being to a panelist that had a business in the same space I want to be in. The best thing about being organized is that you'll always be ready and prepared for an opportunity that presents itself unexpectedly.

2) Learn how to say "No" and not feel guilty about it. Women tend to apologize often, especially when they have to deliver a response that may displease a child, co-worker or family member. One of the panelist said something I will never forget, "No, is a complete sentence. It requires no explanation." The next time your boss wants you to work on the weekend to get a project done and you have your own personal endeavors to focus on, politely tell them, " No, I'm unable to." Period.  When your child asks for his third Spider-Man action figure or a happy meal from McDonald's, only to get a toy, kindly tell them, "No." End of discussion.

3) Don't believe in limits! Boy oh boy, how many times have you heard, "Aren't u too old for that?"   Or "You're a mother now, that ship has sailed" and my favorite - "Black people don't do that."  Always remember, things happen when they are supposed to happen.  When your season comes you'll know it, don't let anyone try to limit what you know, you are capable of doing. You know yourself better than anyone. Remember, God will bless you, when you are prepared to do something with his blessing!

Other highlights from the expo, Lil' Mo did an interview about her current show on R&B Divas and her new book, "Taming Lil' Mo".  I have to say she looked great in person, flawless. And her glasses 

were everything, I'm just saying.

.

People used to say I look like Lil' Mo, what y'all think? Lol

Other highlights: Had a ball with my cuzzos, the original ride or die crew, just missing my sis who's getting money in TN. Love these girls, we consistently inspire each other to be great!

We saw lots of clothing and accessory vendors.

Sat in on a conversation about Black women and our influence on media. Found out we are media mavens and what we choose to do or not do as a consumer can have a huge impact on the economy.  

Ran into our cousin, owner of Wham Bam Glam Boutique, check her out on FaceBook

Don't Be Afraid to Share Your Vision!

"If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go with others" - African Proverb

A business idea came to me while I was sitting on the couch watching the Steve Harvey Show, eight months ago while on maternity leave. It was a great idea that mixed my passion with what I truly believe is my purpose: encouraging people to feel good about themselves and happy with who they are. In order to do that, one must feel good about their exterior presentation, among other things of course, but in my opinion a makeover of some sort is the easiest transformation and can help jumpstart healing and self-acceptance.

Back to the business, I inundated myself with books like 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business by Earvin "Magic Johnson" (a total must read whether you want to own your own business or just looking for a great motivational book), A Marketer's Toolkit  (Harvard Business Essentials) and of course, article after article from Entrepreneur.com.  Now, all that is good and dandy but nothing beats speaking to someone who's been there and done that. Fortunately, my brother-in-law's father owned his own salon for years and was completely open to sharing some words of wisdom with me.  He spoke candidly about things like financing and startup costs, topics that scare the hell out of me and prevent so many from actually executing their vision. I took away some great pointers, mistakes to avoid and much needed encouragement.

After I hung up the phone I felt some type of way, this is when I realized networking, is really what makes people successful! I feel like in the black community we make everything so hard and sometimes painful. What I mean is, we work our asses off! Our parents worked two and three jobs sometimes to support us or spent long grueling hours working overtime to make sure the bills were paid. This isn't to say that our Caucasian brothas and sistas don't work as hard, but what I'm noticing now as an adult, is that White people work in much different ways, they network! A lot!

"If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who has already been there" 

-Robert Kiyosaki

Nick Arrojo (Celebrity Stylist) and the beautiful ladies from Trio Salon, Chicago

In the black community we don't do a great job of sharing knowledge. Part of me thinks because there are so few of us "at the top" we hold on to information and advice, not wanting to compete or share the thin slice of "wealthy" pie designated for the select few that manage to float to the top. On the flip side, some of us are so prideful we can't stand the thought of asking our cousin or friend how they managed to purchase such a beautiful home or how they landed that great job, or raised capital to launch their business. Pride is nothing but the Devil, if you don't know already lol. So much anguish can be avoided in your pursuit to be successful if you would just take the time to speak to those around you making things happen. If you don't know people within your immediate circle go out and meet new people and mingle at different networking events.

I called up Sharie (next to me on the right) to talk about my business endeavors because she's a great stylist that works in the city and services a diverse clientele. I wanted her thoughts on my proposal and after talking to her I ended up reevaluating the target audience for my business.  She provided such great insight that I wouldn't have otherwise discovered unless I actually worked in a salon, which I don't.  At the end of the convo she told me she had an extra ticket for the American Beauty Show at the McCormick Place Convention Center and invited me to tag along.  It was a great experience and the timing couldn't have been better. I was able to network and toss ideas around with people in the industry that I would never come across under normal circumstances. 

Yes, education is important and so is hard work, but take a look at the people on top, most of them had doors opened because of someone they knew. Never forget, it's not what you know, it's definitely who you know. If you're interested in networking and don't know how or where to start and live in the Chicagoland area "Network After Work" is a great organization that throws awesome events every month, each time at a new fancy location (nightclub). Professionals in every industry imaginable 

come out to have a few cocktails and get to know one another while building and growing their

network. I've been to several and each time I've made significant connections. Make it a priority to 

checkout at least one of these in 2015. If you don't want to go alone hit me up, I'll be your right hand Diva lol.

How to Successfully Mix Patterns

Are u scared of patterns? Naw, for real...go take a quick peek in your closet - I'll wait! Do you have Polka dots? Stripes? Checkers? Cheveron? Anything Tribal?

Ok, so now that you've identified those pieces have you ever thought about pairing them together? Alright, alright stay with me. It may seem like a stretch but I promise you can pull it off. Outside of just being confident there are a few tips to consider when mixing patterns. Take a look:

Digg it? Or Nah? Leave your comment below!

1) Mix patterns that share the same color schemes. I paired a navy blue and white stripped blazer with a navy blue and white printed button up.

2) Treat stripes like neutrals. For example, pair a stripped shirt with an animal print skirt.

3) Choose a dominant print and pair it with an accent print. In this case, floral and plaid.

4) Mix a neutral print with a bold colorful print.

5) Pair together the same print but in contrasting colors. For example a leopard print green blouse with a leopard print red pencil skirt.

Check back as I attempt to pull off each of these tips. You be the judge and let me know if you "Digg It" or "Nah"! Leave a comment, what do you think about this look? Would you mix these patterns?

But I Will be Fine, Fierce & Fabulous in the Process!

Kasey Jones

Kasey Jones

My morning routine: open one eye, peek to see if the sun has risen before I have, grab my phone off the night stand and do a quick scroll through my FB timeline (Mark Zuckerberg's dream right lol).

I know sometimes my FB posts are rants about all the posts I see filled with drama and stupid fight videos but I have to say for the most part my friends are great sources of motivation for me.  I thrive off other people's energy. In my opinion, one of the keys to personal success is the ability to compartmentalize. Now this word sometimes gets a bad rep, but think about it, the definition of this psychological term is that it is a defense mechanism, essentially a way to cope. Meaning despite an internal conflict you may be having you can still go about your day, fulfilling your obligations as a parent, student, employee, husband or wife - you get my drift?

Anyways, I'm scrolling and I come across my friend Kasey's timeline, who I met while working at DeVy University several years back. It's funny, I think about our first interactions and how passionate she was about everything! Whether it was enrolling students into school, talking about her shoe addiction or setting people straight (she does not play lol).

Despite Kasey's size 24 frame you'd never know if she was insecure with her weight or not because she was always smiling, very outspoken and came to work runway ready. Check the pics, this girl knows how to dress! (You cute boo!) Honestly, I never thought twice about her size because she never made it an issue, never used it as an excuse and quite frankly never brought it up.  If she did feel a certain way she compartmentalized her emotions allowing herself to still LIVE. Not once do I remember her saying I'm too big for... or I wish I was skinny so I could wear...

I get so tired of people complaining about what they "can't do" because this and that, especially when it comes to feeling good about yourself. Weight is not an excuse to not showcase your best you at all
times and neither is lack of money (which I hear all the time too). If you want to loose weight accept that it's a process and it takes time, but damn it that doesn't  mean you can't be fine, fierce and fabulous during the process!

To date Kasey has lost 91 lbs. in 2 years! From a size 24 to14 and she's still going, while motivating folks on her journey. To see more of Kasey's fabulous looks be sure to "Like" her fb page Kasey Curves Boutique and stay tuned for her upcoming business venture, which I'll give you a little hint, it
has to do with fashion!